New Probe Launched Into Georgia Ex-PM's Death

Zurab Zhvania in a 2004 photo

Prosecutors in Georgia have launched a new probe into the 2005 death of Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania.

His brother, Giorgi Zhvania, told journalists on November 27 that prosecutors had informed him of the new investigation.

Zurab Zhvania died from what authorities said was carbon-monoxide poisoning due to an inadequately ventilated gas heater.

Zhvania's relatives have questioned the official version of his death.

Giorgi Zhvania alleges that his brother was assassinated by Georgia's leadership.

Giorgi Zhvania is part of Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili's Georgian Dream coalition that defeated the ruling United National Movement party in parliamentary elections on October 1.

Zurab Zhvania played a key role in Georgia's 2003 revolution that toppled the government of Eduard Shevardnadze.

Based on reporting by Apsny.ge and AP